Perinatal Asphyxia

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Another term for birth asphyxia is perinatal asphyxia. Both terms mean a lack of oxygen to the baby. When the baby is deprived of oxygen, a birth injury can result. Birth injuries resulting from perinatal asphyxia can cause brain injuries that can lead to a cerebral palsy diagnosis. The most common type of cerebral palsy is called spastic diplegia. There are also more mild cerebral palsy types.

Perinatal asphyxia occurs when the baby is deprived of oxygen during gestation, delivery or early infancy. If a lack of oxygen to the baby happens, medical professionals should respond promptly and correctly. Possible causes of birth injury from perinatal asphyxia include:

Improper care by medical professionals

When infection in the fetus is not properly cared for by the medical team

Pressure on the umbilical cord

A blood clot in one of the blood vessels in the umbilical cord

Sudden blood loss

Inadequate functioning of the placenta

Many of these possible causes can be treated to prevent birth injury.

Perinatal Asphyxia and Birth Injury

When fetal distress develops during delivery, it will be indicated on a fetal heart monitor. Medical professionals can cause birth injury if they don’t respond properly. Even when the medical team does respond to an emergency situation like perinatal asphyxia, improper treatment can also lead to birth injury. Treatment might include oxygen administration, blood pressure medication, antibiotics and blood transfusions. An emergency delivery may be needed.

Help is Available

If you are considering consultation with a birth injury attorney, call Sokolove Law today. We will help you review the way your health professionals managed your care. If your child’s birth injury was caused by medical negligence, you may be able to get financial relief from a legal settlement. Costs of care are high for children with birth injuries like cerebral palsy. Call us today and start the process of getting your questions answered. Take the first step in getting answers to your questions and advocating for your child.